Hey VJer's,

I MISS VISA JOURNEY!!!! All is well with Samuel and I. Outside of the normal frustrations of the weather (too cold), waiting for SSN, and not being able to work, Samuel is adjusting well. Before I get to why I got on here today, I have to tell this story. I love the way Ghanaians have a serious network. On July 4th I must have had 20 Ghanaians at our home! In actuality he only knew one guy, but when Abu called two friends, and they called two friends, and so on, and so on. Before you know it it was A Ghanaian Family Reunion! The feeling was wonderful, and I loved watching him interact with his friends.

Since his arrival I have not had a lot to time to get on the website. However, today I had to. We are looking ahead to the AOS process and I just called a few civil surgeons regarding the exam and one doctor really just pissed me off. So of course I had to jump on here quickly and get some advice.

1. The USCIS website and instructions clearly state that if you entered on a K-1 fiance' visa you do not have to have another medical. One doctor I talked to insisted that a medical has to be done again, if the medical in Ghana was NOT done by a civil surgeon in Ghana. Is she correct?

2. Samuel is very anxious to get his drivers license. Once he has his SSN can he get his drivers license or will he have to wait until he is a permanent resident?

3. He has an opportunity to work. However he is afraid that once the EAD expires that he will have to quit. Can he continue to work while the application for AOS is pending or will he need to quit?

Ok, well I guess I should get back to work. I will wait for any responses or advice. You know I appreciate it.

Erika

Sorry I dont have any answers but just wanted to say how glad I am that everything is going well for you and your husband. Take care.

Hi Ricca , good to hear all is well.

Yes the networking is always wonderful to watch as it unfolds.

Too cold ? Really hot here in IL.

The CS is INCORRECT ..........he does not need a medical, unless it has expired, it is good for one year. There are no CS to do the medicals in the beneficiaries country, only panel physicians.
He needs to have the vaccination worksheet transfered by a CS , some get approved without it but you may get a RFE so I recommend it.

This CS will do it per fax or mail for $ 10.

Dr. L. E. Arnold
4534 Westgate BLV, Suite106
Austin, Tx. 78745

512 444 7845 phone
512 447 3131 fax


Yes, he has to stop working and has to wait for the EAD to start again.

Is he working now ? I may have misunderstood you.............he needs to wait for the EAD to work. If it expires he can renew it.
Someone correct me if I am wrong.

It sounds like Samuel had a great time with his friends! It is truly amazing how much they can network with each other. Thanks for the update.




Dr. Arnold charges $20 now and her suite number recently changed. This is the one we used and she was very professional and quick.

1. The drs on that list are typically pretty clueless. Nevertheless, Re did get another medical. He may not have had to, but it was less hassle that way.

2. Re waited until he was a permanent resident, but we have good public transportation and only one car, so it wasn't as high a priority for us.

3. If you have the temp EAD (the 90day one) once it expires he has to either quit or start volunteering for free for a while. When you file for AOS file for the longer term EAD and then he can work again until the permanent resident card comes. Unfortunately for us, they arrived at the same time so we kinda wasted money on the second EAD. Oh well.

LL can you give me the new suite number for my records please ?

Also, get an extra copy of the vaccination transfer for your own records, they tend to ' misplace ' a lot during AOS. Keep the other one sealed and submit with the rest of your package.

Dr. Arnold's new number is (512) 444-3131 and she is at the same address, but now in suite # 114.

Thank you my friend. If you need help please do not hesitate to call. Its better you call because like I said, I dont get the opportunity to get on while I am at home and I try to limit my time here at work. I sent you my number in a personal message.

Keep in touch,

Erika

Thanks to all for such quick responses. I knew I could count on you guys. I am at work, so I will print these out your suggestions and start making some phone calls. I will send an update as soon as I can. Again....I appreciate it each of you.

Oops, LL I had the right number but typed it wrong, I typed in the zip code I am a real stickler about giving out wrong info.


Correction :

512 444 3131 phone

512 447 4699 fax

new suite 114

He had an interview yesterday and the employer wants to hire him. But the employer did not know if he would have to stop working or not after the EAD expires (he got the stamp at JFK). I was just trying to make sure I am versed on the topic in case the employer really does not know. I do not want any trouble when we go for the AOS interview. I also did not want to pay $300 plus dollars for a permit only to have to pay again when we adjust our status.

The AOS fee includes the EAD and AP fees. If you applied for the EAD before the AOS, then you are throwing away your money.

Besides, I think that an EAD that is applied for before AOS is only valid for the length of the I-94, which will not help you because that is what the temp EAD covers.

The EAD fees are now included in the AOS fees $ 1010.

If the EAD stamp from JFK expires he has to stop working.

Ask in the AOS forum if it can be extended until you receive the GC. I believe so but am not sure. Someone will help you in the AOS forum.
Double check the answers.

Omoba, it's okay. I noticed the zip code in the phone number after you mentioned it, LOL!

He received an EAD stamp at JFK.

Exactly. So applying for the EAD before AOS is just going to be throwing money away because he already has the temp EAD.

Ricca, according to what you typed, the civil surgeon is correct. If the medical done in Ghana was NOT done by an approved civil surgeon, then it has to be redone irregardless of the one year period. However, I believe Samuel went to Akai House and that is an approved civil surgeon in Ghana so he doesn't have to redo it unless it has been more than a year since he had the examination.

Driver's license rules vary by state, so hopefully someone from your state with experience will come on or call the DMV and ask them yourself.

The EAD from JFK expires at the 90 day mark and Samuel would need to stop working until his EAD card arrives from USCIS. Were he to not stop working, the employer could be fined. It's averaging about 3 months to get EAD now, or so it seems from VJ stats.

The thing about this is that the Dr. in the foreign country is required to be embassy approved to meet the visa approval requirements. Won't the fiance always be exempt from having to re-do the whole medical because of that?

My understanding is that if the medical was not done by a physician approved by the embassy then the beneficiary would not get the visa. They would have to redo the medical at an approved physicians office.

That being said, as long as the medical was done within the past year a new medical does not have to be redone.

I disagree with Zainab. ( Sorry Z )

The CS are IMO misinformed from USCIS or don't understand the regulations if they insist on another medical.

I am sure that as per USCIS regulations and instructions on the form that they do NOT need another medical, only the missing vaccinations, usually
the chicken pox vacc which is not readily available in sub-saharan Africa.

Look for another CS or send it to Dr. Arnold and it will cost you only $ 20 to transfer the vacc. instead of hundreds for another medical.

Can someone post the paragraph on the form pertaining to this please.

I agree Zainab...........now I got my Zainabs confused. OK, I disagree with Bassi's Z and agree with Zenusah's Z.
We need to rename one of you

From: http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/I-693instr.pdf

Thank you Zenusah 's Z

No further medical required unless it has expired. Further vaccinations may be required and the entire vaccs sheet has to be transfered over by a CS.

My understanding is that is not true in all countries. Therefore, it may not apply to Ricca in Ghana, but it does apply to others who did not have to follow those rules to receive the visa for entry. There was a thread on VJ in the past that I read and the woman and her child were from some asian country as I recall (Indonesia is stuck in my head, but I don't think that was it) and there was no civil surgeons in her country so she was allowed to go to any doctor but had to go to a civil surgeon in the US to do a complete medical and adjust status. Maybe someone who is better on VJ than I am can search for it. It was posted within the last year cause I haven't been on VJ that long.

I can see needing a new medical in that case.

For countries where there is an approved panel physician then the medical has to be performed by them or no visa.

Bassie's Z, did you mean there was no CS or panel physician in her country ?
If there was no panel physician then going to ANY doctor would require a medical by a CS here. But not if it was a
panel physisian.........meaning selected by DOS or USCIS whichever entity appoints the doctor overseas.

Hi Ricca,
Congrats to you and your hubby!!!

On the AOS thing. You already got a whole lot of great info from everybody.
My husband came on K3 visa so I don't know anything about the temp EAD at JFK.

We did get his vaccines transferred to the I-693A though and he had to get the Chicken Pox vaccine to AOS.
We used Dr. Arnold as well very professional and quick!!!!!!
I would recommend her to everyone!
Take Care!

In california my husband was able to take the driving test and get a permit by showing his visa, which proves he is here legally. he will be taking the behind the wheel test soon. He was also able to get a california id with his just visa, because we havent applied for aos yet, we are waiting to get closer to our 2nd year anniversary to do that. He was so happy to get his id.....now he doesnt have to carry around his passport for identification, unless its border patrol

Kobby tried to get his permit but the man behind the desk did not want to process his papers because he said that Kobby's visa would expire soon (at that time)....He refused even after being shown the marriage certificate

Just did not make any sense....

It is best to print out their own regulations and show them if they don't get it. If they still don't get it ask for a supervisor or go to another office and keep trying........suggestion for anyone reading this and running in circles.

ExactlyOmoba! there is frequently no quality control when it comes to training. You will bypass much by showing them their own regulations. That is exactly what I did and I took it with me but fortunately I got an experienced representative and didnt have to show it

Good morning all...I read of all your advice. Here is some info that I found out.

I called USCIS and they said that with the K-1 Fiance' visa, Samuel will not have to repeat his medical exam. The representative I talked to asked for the doctors name, and telephone number that was giving out incorrect information. Hopefully they can clarify the procedures with them.

I called the Ohio BMV...again some major inconsistencies. We were told he will need the SSN#, passport, marriage certificate and the I-797 Notice of Action proving that we have filed for AOS and it is in process.

I noticed that some of the New York couples are married already. (Bassie & Zainab) Congrats!!!!!! Here in Cleveland they want him to have a SSN# before we can apply for the marriage license. Cleveland Sucks!!!

This part is of the process sure tests your patience!

You guys be good and thanks!

Erika

Have you actually gone to your county clerk's office to get the marriage license? Online it says that you need an SSN for some states, but I know for PA, even though they ask for an SSN, if you call and explain that your fiance is here on a K1 they will waive that requirement.

We went through the exact same thing. We actually ended up doing what other posters have stated ~ print the information off and take it too them. It suprised me that some of the people at the DMV were totally clueless!



I think you've received a lot of good advice. Hopefully things will work out soon.

Wishing you the best.

Erika,

Thank you for this information. I am also in Ohio, and will print this post for future reference. I could not offer any info, but I am thankful to learn it the "piggy back" way through your post.

Stephanie

Zee,

Thanks for the extra push. I had been calling and getting this really evil woman. She put me on hold twice and never came back. Today, after I read your post I mustered up some courage and called again, hoping I would get someone who would be nice. Thank God. The woman I talked to told us we can come and apply for the marriage license with just Samuels passport and visa. Ok...so now we do not have to wait for the SSN#. At least we can get started on that.

Thanks again!

Here is a link to the website in case anyone from Cleveland ever needs it.

http://www.probate.cuyahogacounty.us/faq/faq_marriage.htm

Excellent

YOU KNOW...THE WHOLE AOS STAGE IS NOW STARTING TO SCARE ME ONCE AGAIN AFTER READING ALL THIS.... WHEN WILL THIS JOURNEY BE OVER. I REMEMBER HOW MUCH OF A WRECK I WAS WHEN I WAS IN MY OTHER STAGE OF THE PROCESS WITH MY FIANCE GETTING READY FOR THE INTERVIEW AND GATHERING ALL THE INFO FOR THE INTERVIEW... NOW THIS AOS THING SEEMS LIKE ANOTHER GRUELING PROCESS.

I AM JUST THANKFUL THAT MY FIANCE IS HERE WITH ME SO I DUMP SOME OF THE STRESS ON HIM. HE IS SOOOO NONCHALANT ABOUT EVERYTHING THAT IT DRIVES ME CRAZY.

I'm actually okay with AOS. Maybe it's because I'm not as far along as you guys. I must also admit that sometimes, ignorance is bliss. Cause NY asks for a SS# but I didn't bother to check and just went to the office and applied for the license. When they asked why I left it blank, I told them he didn't have one and asked if they wanted the A# and they said no, and just left it blank on their screen and proceeded. So, I didn't stress or anything, I just moved forward and God paved the way, so to speak. Bassi, applied for his SS # today. He said it went fine and they told him they would send it in the mail in a couple of weeks. I guess since he's here, I don't particularly care right now about any hassles. I'm cool as a cucumber for a change.

Lol "Ignorance is Bliss" Now you know I will biting those words! It has now been incorporated into my vocabulary . And my fiance went and did his social security thing too. The first time he went, the lady said a K-1 couldn't get a new SSN without EAD or something... so the next day I sent him to another SSN office and he was able to get his SSN done there ( I guess they were more hip to the K1 process )...and he will receive it in some days too!

Where can I get this info so that I can print it?

There is a link under downloads for social security here on VJ.

I gave a copy of the regs to Bassi to take with him today to apply for a ss card and he had to use it. He said they told him no at first, then he gave them the papers I shared with him and they told him to wait, then they came back and told him that he could apply for a social security card. And they did it and gave him a receipt and the card should arrive in two weeks. Can't beat VJ advice for making the process easier all around!

How about for the drivers license? We are good on the SS.

Go to your state's DMV web page and print the requirements for a DL for immigrants.

Bassi hasn't even cracked the book to take the test. So, I haven't thought much about it. I need to file AOS, and somehow I feel like I should be doing something related to it. But I know that I sent for the vaccination supplement, so I have to wait for that anyway. So, I guess I'm good. I hope I don't spend the money before I file. I'm known for those types of things.